Sasa Susic/Contributing Photographer
The Anderson Center for the Performing Arts is bringing renowned productions, including the Paul Taylor Dance Company and a production of "October Light," to Binghamton University to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The Anderson Center, which first opened in 1985, was named after Floyd E. Anderson, a key figure in supporting the establishment of the State University of New York (SUNY) system during his tenure as a judge. He allowed the state to take over Triple Cities College and further develop it as Harpur College, which later became Binghamton University.

The Anderson Center is home to three distinct theaters: the Osterhout Concert Theater (seating capacity of 1,200), Chamber Hall (seating capacity of 400) and Watters Theater (seating capacity of 550). Each theater has the capacity to adapt to any genre of the performing arts, ranging from classical music to Broadway-style productions.

In honor of the 25th anniversary, the Paul Taylor Dance Company will be performing on Oct. 17 in the Osterhout Concert Theater.

"October Light," a play by John Gardner depicting the lives of two siblings who are nearly polar opposites, will be performing on Nov. 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22 in the Chamber Hall.

According to Floyd Herzog, the producer and director for the Anderson Center, the Paul Taylor Dance Company is very excited to work with the University's orchestra.

"The audience will be treated to live music," he said. "Most dance companies dance to recorded music, but our very own orchestra of Binghamton students, conducted by Timothy Perry [the chair for the department of music], will be accompanying the Paul Taylor Dance company in their performance."

According to John Bielenberg, professor emeritus in the theater department, a performance of "October Light" was included as part of the 25th anniversary celebration because it was the first production held in the new facility in the fall of 1985.

Herzog has witnessed the evolution of the center for the past 25 years.

"I have had many people come up and tell me how amazed they are of the grandiose and the magnificence the Anderson Center encompasses," Herzog said. "The Anderson Center is known for its concert halls. The Osterhout Theater has brilliant acoustical properties. We do our best to accommodate all artistic presentations."

Global acts travel from across the world to BU to perform in its famed halls.

The New York Philharmonic Orchestra canceled their performance in Lincoln Center in New York City to come play in the Scottish Festival held at the Anderson Center in March of 1996.

In accordance with the University's strive for global education and cross-cultural experience, Herzog and the Anderson Center previously hosted three international festivals showcasing the flavors of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Greece.

The international performances at the Anderson Center help account for the expansion of the University's study abroad program.

"I traveled to Scotland with Lois DeFleur [president of Binghamton University] to the University of Edinburgh," Herzog said. "It's one of Europe's oldest and prestigious universities attracting thousands of students around the world. I remember President DeFleur meeting with the director of Global Education. He told her they only exchanged with five institutions worldwide, and after she left his office our University was the sixth."

In an effort to develop a closer relationship with the students of Binghamton University, the directors of the Anderson Center hope to work closely with the resident halls and faculty to increase awareness of the performing arts on campus, Herzog said.